Conversations

Asking Why With Brad Kopitz

CEO of Artifact Uprising | Denver, CO

Brad Kopitz is the CEO of Artifact Uprising, an eco-friendly company that creates custom photo gifts to turn single moments into forever lasting memories. Whether it’s enjoying moments of reflection, or recognizing we’re all a part of something larger than ourselves, Brad often finds parallels between what he has created with his company, and with life. Right now, his biggest personal challenge is redefining himself. Less than a year ago, Brad was a fiancé and an employee, with hobbies on the side. But now he is a husband, father and a CEO. Maintaining balance has been a learning process for Brad, but getting to the core of “Why?” always keeps him going.

Integrating A Work-Life Balance

Usually, people don’t realize they need to make a changes until things become painful. Brad explained that he used to be a segmenter; someone who separated his work life from his home life. But giving 100% of his attention to each led to him burning out. “It was too intense all the time,” explained Brad.

“If you’re doing it all, all the time, then you’re probably not doing any of it well.”

Brad realized that your body and mind will tell you to “take a break and do something else” when it’s time to. He is now more of an integrator, going back and forth between the two. He had an epiphany when he realized, “You’re actually more present because you’re not tired of whatever it is you’re doing. You’re doing it for just the right amount of time.”

Reflection & Restoration

When Brad is taking a break from work, he enjoys visiting the woods and embracing the outdoors to reflect and “restore remembering what’s really important.” He explained that there’s a lot of power in simplicity, and when he visits calm, natural, uncomplicated places, it makes him feel small but comforted.

“You start to feel this connectedness to something bigger than yourself.”

Similar to these moments of reflecting on what’s important, Brad’s mission with Artifact Uprising, is to build products that remind people of their meaningful experiences in life and their important connections with others.

“Presence, reflection, and time spent can never be replaced.”

Comfort in Something Bigger

Brad recognizes how powerful and comforting it is to be a part of something much larger than yourself, and wants to recreate this experience for his employees. For a while, Artifact Uprising was about building a product, but now it’s more about the people he is building his company with. “My higher purpose is now providing the environment for my employees where they’re happy and feel present.” Brad wants his employees to feel inspired and comforted by the mission and support network that they’re a part of.

Asking “Why?”

Brad lives a busy life, but stays grounded with meditation, running, journaling, and reflecting by asking himself questions. He spends a lot of time thinking about the “Why?” behind all his actions and decisions. Brad believes that if you remind yourself why you’re doing something, then no matter what happens, you will be content with the outcome. In other words, “Assume you’re going to fail. When you fail, will you still be glad that you tried?”

“I can live with failure if the “Why?” behind it is correct.”

The Art of Movement

Brad also asks himself, “Is this directionally correct?” In other words, “Is this moving me closer or father from my goals?” If something is moving you closer to your goals, whether if it’s the fastest path, then it’s a step in the right direction. “If it looks like something that gets you excited, and it’s moving you towards something you want to accomplish, then go that way. Then if it starts to go horizontal, make another shift. That’s the art of movement.”